To
improve you need to do two things consistently – show up to class and
practice. In class you will get the information,
guidance, coaching and instruction needed to improve. Practicing will help reinforce that learning.
However
if you are practicing on your own and without a partner, how will you know you
are doing it right?
There
are a few keys about doing it right technically in Han Moo Kwan that will get
you 90% there if you follow them. Those
keys are:
- Linear
- Protect self at all times
- Alignment
- Focus on Breathing
Let’s
look at each one.
Linear
Most
every technique we do in Han Moo Kwan is linear – meaning the trajectory (path)
from point A to point B is a straight line.
For example, for forward or attach punches, the elbow stays close in as your
fist moves forward keeping the path a straight line. If the elbow flairs out, the punch path
becomes an arc, which is ineffective. Another example is front kick. The ball of the foot to the target should be
a straight line (i.e., piston action).
It the ball of the foot arcs up we usually indicate that as a swing
kick. Keeping the path of the technique
linear is a ley to doing the techniques correctly.
Protect self at all times
Every
technique and “in between” technique is meant to protect self and/or cause
damage. With each technique the focus and intent is to cause damage whether it
is a strike, block, or kick. For
example, high block intent is to break the overhead target, not just deflect
it. A kick to the abdomen is meant to go
through the front of the target and rattle the spine.
While
moving and transitioning between techniques, you need to always protect vulnerable
targets. For example, in striking with a
basic knife hand the elbow stays pointed downward and close to the body for the
majority of the motion. This protects
the ribs. Another example is medium
block “prep”. The arms are crossed and touch
near the inner elbows. This ensures the
middle of the body is protected.
Alignment
Alignment
is very important as it will keep you balanced and safe. Every stance has an alignment that keeps you
balanced – for the most part it is head over shoulders and shoulders over hips
with your mass over your center of gravity.
If “out of square” in punches, knife hand, etc., you can easily be
pulled off-balanced or fall forward if an attacker steps aside as you lean in
to strike. Keeping in alignment will
also ensure your head is not the closest target, which is a very unsafe
position. In addition, your legs are
such that your knees are pointing straight ahead at your attacker which helps
protect them.
Focus on Breathing
The
benefits to effective breathing are three fold.
(1) Physically, if you are breathing evenly and smoothly and using as
much of your lungs as possible it will improve your endurance. Your endurance
will help you practice longer and harder.
(2) From a physiological perspective deep, smooth, and even breathing will
decrease your heart rate and improve your ability to handle the stress of the
moment during an attack. (3) If you are
breathing, you are flowing energy. Flowing
energy while performing techniques will make your techniques much more
effective.
By
keeping these keys in mind while practicing, it will help you stay on track in
your journey of learning a martial art and becoming a martial artist.
Regards,
Kelly
"The way is in training." ~ Miyamoto Musashi
(1584-1645), legendary Japanese samurai and author of The Book of Five Rings
